31 under! Kim thrilled after smashing LPGA record

STACY REVERE GETTY IMAGES
Lydia Ko struggled for accuracy in the final round of the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic

Cary Erickson
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11 July, 2018, 15:52

Kim Sei-young revelled in "a dream come true" after shattering the LPGA's 72-hole scoring record with an extraordinary aggregate of 31 under at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic.

Sei Young Kim shot an 8-under-par 64 in the third round of Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic on Saturday to tie Annika Sorenstam's 54-hole record of 24 under and take a commanding eight-stroke lead.

Speaking of her 63-65-64-65 tournament, surpassing Annika Sorenstam's 27-under record from 2001, she told LPGA.com: "After I shot 27-under (at the 2016 JJTBC Founders Cup), I wanted the 72-hole record".

It wrapped up an fantastic week that saw Kim record 31 birdies and one eagle, while she hit 67 out of 72 greens in regulation.

Including her final round of 63 at this event past year, Kim has now played her last 72 holes at Thornberry Creek in 33 under par and her 7th LPGA Tour title now appears but a formality. "I did today, so I'm very happy with another good round". Amy Yang was the second best finisher among the Korean golfers, finishing tied for third at 20 under par.

Looking at the previous winners of the tournament, the course tends to be easier than other tournaments, as defending champion Katherine Kirk of Australia won with a score of 22 under par in 2017.

"It's unbelievable the way she's playing", Ciganda said of Kim. After that, I wanted to... really wanted the course record.

Her 32 holes of birdie or better were yet another record - improving on the 30 sub-par holes in a tournament achieved previously by three players.

There were 31 birdies in Kim's round, also a LPGA record for 72 holes.

Kim said she didn't expect to be nervous as she chased the record - and a seventh LPGA title.

The Thornberry first-place check of $300,000 pushed Kim's career earnings past $5 million, making her the 61st player to reach that plateau in LPGA history.

She was ranked as high as number eight in the world past year after her win in Mexico and has struggled for much of 2018. In addition, the 17-under marks the first time in her career, amateur, college or professional, that she has finished in double figures.

"I just ask to somebody but that's not right answer, so I getting to the YouTube, how to make the mind stronger".

Torres made seven birdies against just one bogey for her 66 on Sunday.

Kim, who is seeking her first win of the season, was a disappointing 25th at last week's KPMG Women's PGA Championship.